Your Prescriptions

Flu May Be Forever, but Vaccine Helps

Q: I would like to have some information about the drug Persantine, which I am taking with half an aspirin. Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.

A: Persantine is a brand name of the generic drug dipyridamole. It opens blood vessels and allows more blood to flow to the heart which increases the heart's oxygen supply. It is used in long-term treatment of angina pectoris (chest pain). It may also improve exercise tolerance and reduce the amount of nitroglycerin needed--if you are taking this drug for angina pain.

Reported side effects experienced by some are headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, flushing of the face or neck, runny nose, congestion and asthma.

This drug has no effect on acute pain during an angina attack. Nitroglycerin is still the first choice for this condition.

Q: Please explain the difference between osteoporosis and osteomalacia and give any information on the medication Calciferol and what it is prescribed for.

A: Osteoporosis is a condition associated with increased resorption of bone, causing back pain and spontaneous fractures of the vertebrae. It is more frequent in women than in men. This condition may be prevented by adequate calcium intake and in certain cases, low-dosage estrogen.

Osteomalacia is a metabolic bone disease in adults due to a Vitamin D deficiency.

Calciferol is a brand name for Vitamin D in 50,000-unit tablets. It is prescribed to treat osteomalacia or rickets.